Skills Commission on Initial Teacher Education

Toni Fazaeli, IfL's chief executive, drew on member comments and views when she recently gave evidence to the Skills Commission on Initial Teacher Education.

Toni said: "A huge thank you to those IfL volunteer connections who sent me views about initial teacher training, ways recognition should be given to seasoned professional teachers and trainers, as well as your views about how vocational teachers can keep up to date with both teaching methods and their occupational area. I drew on this feedback in my evidence to the Commission, led by Sir Mike Tomlinson with Barry Sheerman and Ruth Silver.  My major theme was the need for mutual recognition of QTLS, the professional status conferred by IfL, and QTS so that those holding QTLS can teach in a school setting.  I emphasised that it is crucial that the vocational careers that many teachers in further education have prior to teaching, or alongside teaching. should be properly recognised and valued in their own right. Currently, it is not possible, for a teacher in FE to teach in a school, except as a teaching assistant unless they hold QTS.  It is excellent that your voice, the voice of teachers and trainers, is being heard by top policy makers and influencers. We will alert you to the Commission’s report when it is published."